Correct me if I'm wrong but I think you were one that loved the Hifiman RE400. Personally I absolutely love my RE400 but they have started to fall apart after years of usage and now am considering upgrading to something more durable while retaining a similar s. signature. From what I've researched, the E4000 and the eR4xr should be sounding similar to the RE400.

Probably the IE800s as well but those are well outside my budget. I'm looking for a balanced signature with slightly forward mids and slightly emphasized bass. From what I read the E5000 must be bassy and woolly for my taste but the E4000 should be right down my alley! What do you think? Thanks for a great review!

Well, I did like the RE-400 when it was out, but that was some years ago already. There very good options you can find today over the RE400, in sound, build quality and price.
However, I don't find the E4000 to share a similar signature with the RE400. The E4000 sound is fuller and warmer, with a much stronger bass. Midrange is also thicker and more dynamic.

However you might enjoy the E4000 as well if you like a forward and rich midrange with good vocals and some energy on the lower treble.
The E5000 has still a more powerful bass, but overall a better balance

Thanks for your excellent input! A rich midrange and an overall even tonal balance is what I fancy indeed and that's the reason I didn't look at the E5000 as they are supposedly even bassier. Curious to know what you'd consider a sonic equivalent to the RE400.

I'd be difficult to suggest something similar to the RE400, as I don't have that one anymore, and also don't have the same sources that used back then. Generally, the RE400 has a forward midrange, not too thick, and a bit lean on the low mids. light bass, and little emphasis on the upper mids, but with a very smooth treble.
What's your current setup, and the how much you'd be willing to spend for a new IEM?

My findings are similar to yours with regards to RE400 sound signature. I have never found them tiring but at the same time, never felt the need for more bass. Everything about them is offered in the right proportion for my taste. Currently my on the go DAP is M11 which is pretty powerful and neutral. I'm looking towards the Moondrop Kanas Pros, the E4000 and the cheap Tin T2s. I could spend up to $300-$400 for something of worth. I also prefer small housings

I would have suggested the iBasso IT01s or Campfire Audio IO. they are both different, but have good midrange and don't overdo the bass and treble. however, they are not small housings at all. the final E series are among the most compact options. if you want more neutrality, then the Periodic Audio Mg.

Periodic Audio Mg...Never heard of this. I should do my homework I think. Thank you very much for your help!

Are the Periodic Audio MGs neutral as, say, the ER4P? If that's the case, it won't do it for me as I found them clinical and souless. However, I haven't heard the latest literation er4xr and from memory, the RE-0 I had many moons ago was a very good set in its time. I'd indeed fancy something as small as the final audio offerings but I understand that we can't have it all

Haven;t tried the ER4 to give a fair comparison. But the Mg are more on the RE0/Zero line rather than the RE400. the E4000 is still closer to the RE600 if you tried that one

Well I've had both iems, the RE-0 and the RE-600 and loved them. As you understand I'm a big fan of the Hifiman house signature. I think I'll have to get both the Mgs and the E4000 to evaluate as from what you say, they compliment one anther having different flavored signatures. For a while I even thought about the E5000 as well but I wouldn't want even more bass by any means. Any experience on the Moodrop Kanas or the Tin T2s?

No idea on the Kanas, but had the T2 and recently reviewed the T3 (which is very similar)